KOTA KINABALU – With treated water supply unable to keep up with Selangor’s population boom, coupled with frequent disruptions due to river pollution, Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the time is ripe to tap groundwater to increase the state’s reserves.
The former water, land and natural resources minister also told The Vibes that having smaller water treatment plants is the way to go as they are more cost-effective and can begin operations quickly.
“The short-term solution for Selangor is immediate, in the sense that we have to start looking at groundwater. And, build smaller (treatment) plants.
“We have to fulfil the government plan for the Phase 2 Langat Treatment Plant, which is already there. Phase 1 will deliver water by next year, but we can’t (wait longer) for Phase 2 to take off. Phase 2 needs to take off, and the footprint is already there.
“We know all the problems we have after building Phase 1. So, Phase 2 has to take off now, so that in 2025, it will be ready with another 1,000 MLD (million litres per day).
“This has to be implemented immediately under the tripartite agreement between the state and federal governments and Span (National Water Services Commission).”
The proposals follow a massive water cut in the Klang Valley earlier this month after four treatment plants were forced to close due to pollution in Sg Gong. Almost 1.2 million consumers suffered dry taps for up to five days.
Xavier urged state water agencies Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd and the Selangor Water Management Authority, along with the Irrigation and Drainage Department and related bodies, to work as one to combat river pollution, an issue that has plagued Malaysia’s most developed state for years.
“I was telling Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari that it’s high time Selangor forms a task force to look into the problem and come up with ways to overcome it.
“This task force must be led by either an independent individual or the state secretary. They must come up with a blueprint (on how to resolve the issue) in the next 20 years.”
The Kuala Langat MP said the manufacturing sector is the main culprit behind the state’s pollution woes, adding that the issue persists because of the lax enforcement of laws and regulations.
“It’s a multidimensional problem in Selangor. There’s a lack of enforcement against industries polluting water sources.
“There must be a paradigm shift. Think hard and change these things.
“All the local councils have to be very, very tough with these people (polluters). You have to come down hard on these people.”
Given that the mechanisms to curb the problem are already available, he called for political will to ensure implementation.
“You have to implement them. (It depends on) whether you have the willpower and political mileage to do it.
“If you have the political will, then you have to implement. Cut the red tape and do it immediately.
“It’s not difficult. You can do it.” – The Vibes, September 24, 2020
